Tucked away like a hidden gem behind a fairy-tale staircase, The Bloomsbury Club is a sophisticated and cozy bar nestled within The Bloomsbury Hotel (part of the Doyle Collection) on Great Russell Street in the heart of London. Amidst the plush seating and softly lit interiors, the walls are covered with captivating works of art, where each visit promises deliciously innovative cocktails, intimate gatherings with friends, or a moment of respite after a long day’s work.
A Journey Through Time
Drawing inspiration from the hedonistic ideals of The Bloomsbury Set – a group of early 20th-century English writers and artists – this bar channels the spirit of exploration and discovery. Step outside onto the twinkling terrace, where branches intertwine with trailing foliage and lanterns, creating an ambiance that’s enchanting year-round. There is a calendar of live performances and a reputation as one of central London’s top jazz spots, The Bloomsbury Club is more than just a place to drink – it’s a destination. And now, it unveils its latest marvel: an Ancient-Egypt-inspired cocktail menu that adds an interactive twist to your libation experience.
The unveiling of the new cocktail menu pays homage to Egyptomania – an obsession that gripped Britain after Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon unearthed Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. Echoing the sentiments of the Bloomsbury Group, who believed in the power of art to reveal universal truths, each cocktail bears names, flavours, and ingredients inspired by hieroglyphs found near the pyramids.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. The process of selecting your drink becomes an adventure as the attentive staff presents a pyramid, revealing a network of tiny tombs within. Channeling the ancient practice of divination, a pendulum is used to guide your choice, swinging gently until it lands on a tomb, unveiling your cocktail destiny.
Sphinx Spirits
With each sip, you’re transported on a journey through complex flavours and history. The “Manu” (£17) cocktail boasted a sparkling texture, complemented by a sweet and sour taste, and culminated in a refreshing citrus finish. Crafted from Belvedere Vodka, fig sauternes, honey, vanilla salep, and Champagne, it was elegantly served in a tall glass stem topped with edible flowers for a delicate presentation.
Next, our pendulum guided us to the intriguing “Hu” (£17) cocktail – a tantalising blend of gin, camomile, Strega, Suze, and limoncello. This concoction offered a refreshing burst of citrus notes, evoking a sense of vibrant zest with every sip.
To conclude our tasting journey, we indulged in the “Nefertum” (£17) cocktail – an enchanting blend of Ron de Santiago 11-year-old rum, persimmon, physalis, grapefruit, oleo saccharum, and orgeat. This vibrant mix unfolded with bright, sweet notes that danced on the palate, delivering a delightful surprise with each sip. It quickly became my personal favourite, leaving a lasting impression with its bold and unique flavours.
Temples of Taste
Accompanying our array of cocktails, we treated ourselves to some delectable bar bites. We savoured the succulent and tender “28-day aged beef sliders”, featuring cave-aged cheddar, pickle, and club sauce (£16), each bite bursting with rich flavour. Following this, we delighted in the “Teriyaki Buttermilk Chicken”, infused with sesame, ginger, and soy (£13), delivering moist and flavourful sensations with every bite.
For a vegetarian alternative, we couldn’t resist the “Peas & Gorgonzola Arancini” (£12), a delectable ball of deliciousness. And to cleanse the palate, we relished the vibrant “Sea Bass Ceviche”, served in a seaweed cone with avocado, chilli, and citrus dressing (£16), offering a colourful and refreshing contrast to the savoury bites. Each of these bar snacks paired nicely with our cocktails, resulting in a truly satisfying and memorable experience.
The Hieroglyphic Seal of Approval
The evening proved to be a delightful journey at The Bloomsbury Club Bar, punctuated by the infectious energy of the staff, who infused every moment with their passion. The cocktails are meaningful creations perfectly complemented by an exquisite selection of bar snacks. The thought of returning to explore more of the cocktail menu and reconnect with the charismatic staff is irresistible – a promise of future adventures and unforgettable moments waiting to unfold at The Bloomsbury Club.
Discover more at thebloomsburyclub.com
View this post on Instagram
All Imagery Courtesy of The Bloomsbury Club Bar / Charlie Mckay.